Anyone who wants to try on our gowns will need to make an appointment. That’s because we want to provide one to one attention. The bride will get the entire boutique to herself and her party for 90 minutes during which time, we can advise on what gowns might be suitable. Of course some brides know exactly what they want and that’s fine too!

To celebrate our recent opening, we are offering all brides the chance to find their dream dress at Heritage Brides but during May, there will be an extra 10% off.That means that you will be able to make some incredible savings not only on your gown, but on your shoes and accessories too.The rules are simple - you just have to make a purchase at the boutique in May. Your discount will be applied when you pay. Simples!

Our friends at the magical wedding venue - the Jockey Club Rooms in Suffolk - are holding a 'meet the wedding experts' event on May 11.One of our favourite designers Terry Fox will be on hand throughout the day to answer any questions you might have about choosing your perfect dress.Not only that if you are having wobbles about how you are going to plan everything in time, Charles Howard will also be there to soothe your nerves and provide expert insight into making your day run as smoothly as possible.With input from renowned floral artist Paula Pryke and in demand snapper James Davidson, this really is an event which will stand any bride in good stead when planning her big day.We have a pair of tickets available to give away to this event. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning, then all you have to do is answer this simple question:

In which county will you find the Jockey Club Rooms?

The winner will be chosen on May 10 and will be advised via e mail. The name of the winner will be submitted for inclusion on the guest list at the event. There is no cash alternative and travel to the venue is not included as part of the prize. By entering this competition you agree to receive the Heritage Brides newsletter - you can unsubscribe at any time.

I seem to have spent years with a vision running round my head. I wanted to create a bridal boutique that was fun, had the wow factor and gave brides an experience they won't forget.

When we opened the doors on Tuesday, I think I can safely say that Heritage Brides has turned out even better than I hoped it would.

The barn looks magical and provides the most enchanting setting for the stunning dresses. With the vintage bits and pieces I have been collecting over the years, it really represents a piece of my heritage.

My Nan's tea set is on a window sill, my grandmother's doilies (which I hated as a child) fit in perfectly and we also have a vintage sewing machine from Darren's family. Not only that everything has been filled with love and support, not just from family but from my lovely friends who have been there when I have questioned what I was doing.

In the last few days, I have had nothing but positive comments and encouragement which has made me all the more determined to make Heritage Brides a success.

I do hope you will join me on this woodland adventure which really is my dream come true.

With the departure of the electricians on Friday, it meant that there was a full on weekend of actual doing.First thing on Saturday morning we moved two huge vintage rugs into the barn - they weighed an absolute ton, so thanks to the Hatfield House staff who helped us get them up the stairs.Then there was cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and after that a little bit more cleaning. The barn has been hoovered, ever beam dusted, every panel wiped, every floorboard mopped - twice. And finally it is looking, dare I say it a bit more presentable. It still needs some work, but the worst (I hope) has been removed.So on Sunday it was a case of getting some much needed prettiness into the barn. I have always wanted it to be a magical woodland feeling and I hope that I am achieving that. It's a still a work in progress and the very last things which will go in are the dresses, but I think it is taking shape.What do you think?

It was an early start on April 1 when after months of waiting impatiently, I became the leaseholder for the Harness Room.

Here is where Heritage Brides will be born.

The first thing that struck me was how big the space was without all the antique furniture and bits and bobs which had previously had their home there.

It was everything I wanted it to be - bar the fact that there is no heating and the worst lighting I have ever come across.

Cue the entrance of Jason and Aidan - the sparks tasked with making it a bright and welcoming barn, fit for the dazzling gowns I am going to have there.

And that's where we are at. I am hoping that they will have finished working their magic today (Friday) so that I can get in the barn to remove what looks like 400 years worth of dirt....

So things are moving in the right direction and once the deep clean has been carried out, I can get on with transforming the space into a magical woodland full of the vintage curiosities I have been collecting.

It's getting exciting! Whilst flicking through the pages of Bridal Buyer in advance of the White Gallery, I was delighted to read about Heritage Brides.With a headline of 'Retail Bliss', I am over the moon that we have been featured.

What is Heritage Brides all about? For me it was about creating something different for a bride. When I knew that I had got the Harness Room at Hatfield House, I just knew that it would be a magical experience looking for their dream dress.

What makes Heritage Brides different? The fact that it is the only bridal boutique in the country to be located in a stately home, for me gives it a really romantic air. Knowing that Elizabeth 1 might have walked through the barn 500 years before seemed to fit in exactly with the Heritage Brides philosophy. A wedding dress will always come with heritage because it is part of a personal history.